Information Bulletin: Gas operating permits and requirements for operating permit holders to obtain an installation permit

Topic

This Information Bulletin clarifies BCSA requirements with respect to gas operating permits. Operating permit holders must be in compliance with section 28 of the Gas Safety Regulation (GSR). 

This Information Bulletin also clarifies the requirements for operating permit holders wanting to perform gas installations.  Under section 17(2) (b) of the Safety Standards General Regulation (SSGR), operating permit holders may obtain an installation permit to perform additions to the gas system. 

Important information

Requirements for Operating Permit Holders

Under section 28 of the Safety Standards Act and in accordance with the regulations, a safety officer may issue an operating permit that allows the use of a regulated product in section 2(1) (b) of the Act for one or more disciplines.

GSR section 28 (1) requires owners of specified gas systems to obtain operating permits.  Under GSR section 28(2), all regulated gas work under an operating permit must be performed by a gas fitter or under the direct supervision of a gas fitter.  Under GSR section 28(5), the holder of an operating permit must keep accurate records of the maintenance work that is performed under the permit.

Operating permit holders are not required to hold a bond unless the operating permit is for vehicle gas systems. The following operating permit holders must have a bond in order to perform work under the operating permit in accordance with GSR section 28 (4): 

• Operators of establishments where regulated gas products are installed on vehicles as part of the vehicle fuel system, and
• Operators of establishments where regulated gas products are installed on vehicles for purposes other than vehicle fuel systems.

Installation Permits May Be Obtained by Operating Permit Holders

In accordance with SSGR section 17(2) (b) a holder of an operating permit may obtain an installation permit to make additions to the gas system covered by the operating permit. The installation must be performed by a qualified gas fitter employed by the operating permit holder.  If the work is to be performed by an outside gas contractor, then the contractor must obtain the installation permit. 

The permit holder must notify the safety officer when the installation or alteration is completed. Section 34 of the GSR requires the holder of the installation permit to submit Notification of Completion, through your BCSA online account or complete a Notification of Completion, Installation or Alteration form and mail or deliver the completed form to the nearest BCSA office.

A gas bond is not required for an operating permit holder who performs additions or alterations to the gas system covered by an operating permit when  an application is made for an installation permit , unless a bond is required under GSR section 28 (4). 

 

 

Brad Wyatt
Provincial Safety Manager, Gas

 

 

References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation
Safety Standards General Regulation